Sorenstam wins landmark 50th LPGA title

Posted: Monday, April 05, 2004

By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES Sinking a couple of pressure-packed birdie putts, and knocking her approach shot near the pin on another green, Sorenstam birdied three of the final five holes Sunday to win her 50th LPGA Tour title.

"Fifty is kind of a magical number. I've thought about this for a while. I really wanted to do it this week," Sorenstam said after a 3-under 69 gave her a three-stroke victory in the Office Depot Championship.

The LPGA Hall of Famer, also the tournament winner in 2001 and 2003 and the runner-up in 2002, had a 9-under 207 total.

BellSouth Classic

DULUTH, Ga. Rookie Zach Johnson held on to win the BellSouth Classic, overcoming four bogeys over a five-hole stretch on the back nine to edge Mark Hensby by a stroke.

Johnson, the player of the year on the developmental Nationwide Tour last season, closed with an even-par 72 to finish at 13-under 275 on the TPC at Sugarloaf. He earned $810,000.

Hensby closed with a 67, Scott Hend (71) followed at 11 under, and Ireland's Padraig Harrington (72) was another stroke back.

Algarve Open

PORTIMAO, Portugal Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez won his second European tour title of the year, shooting a 5-under 67 for a two-stroke victory in the Algarve Open.

Jimenez, who finished at 16-under 272, moved into the lead in the European Ryder Cup standings.

He also won the Johnnie Walker Classic in February.

Australia's Terry Price matched the course record with a 64 to finish second.